For the first time, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry appears on the list at No. 6.

"If people love the way I play the game of basketball, love the way I inspire to be better, that's great," said James, who is averaging 25.2 points this season. "Everytime I see someone in my jersey, a complete stranger, it's a 'wow' factor. For me to be the No. 1 guy, to have the most jersey sales, it's crazy."

Rounding out the top 10 are Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat, Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers, Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers and Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder.